Too often, I hear leaders in the Body of Christ remind those under their authority of the Scriptures concerning honor, submission, respect, and how we speak about leadership.

And yes, those Scriptures matter.

Hebrews 13:17 speaks about respecting and responding appropriately to spiritual leadership. We also see the seriousness of Miriam and Aaron speaking against Moses in Numbers 12. and passages such as “Touch not mine anointed” are frequently brought into these conversations, although Psalm 105:15 should not be turned into a blanket statement that leaders can never be questioned or corrected.

However, here is something I believe both sides need to consider:

Change your algorithm for a moment.

If you are a leader, intentionally listen to some of the conversations being had by people who have been silenced, provoked, manipulated, or misunderstood under leadership, and if you are someone who has been under authority, intentionally listen to the perspective of responsible leaders, the weight they carry, the decisions they have to make, the misunderstandings they experience, and the biblical responsibility placed upon them.

Why? Because when we continuously consume teaching that only confirms our side of the equation, we can become extremely convinced of our own perspective while becoming increasingly blind to the experiences of others.

Our algorithm can become an echo chamber.

The person under authority hears:

“Leaders can be wrong.”

“Call out abuse.”

“Don’t let anybody control you.”

The leader hears:

“Honor your leaders.”

“Obey those who have the rule over you.”

“Do not speak against God’s anointed.”

Both can contain biblical truth yet both can become dangerous when separated from the rest of scripture.

Peter did not tell church leaders merely to lead. He told them:

“Neither as being lords over God’s heritage…” — 1 Peter 5:3

Leadership in the Kingdom was never designed to mean domination.

Jesus Himself taught that those who lead among His people must not imitate rulers who “lord it over” others, but should lead through service. — Matthew 20:25–28

At the same time, Scripture does not give those under leadership permission to operate in dishonor, rebellion, slander, or contempt simply because they disagree with a leader.

There is responsibility on both sides.

and scripture itself demonstrates that leadership does not equal immunity from correction. Paul openly confronted Peter when Peter’s conduct was wrong. – Galatians 2:11–14

Even concerning elders, Scripture creates balance: accusations should not be received carelessly, yet elders who persist in sin are not placed beyond accountability. — 1 Timothy 5:19–20

That is balance.

So perhaps leaders need to spend some time listening to teachings directed toward leaders, rather than constantly listening to teachings about how people should respond to leaders and those under authority should sometimes listen to teachings about honor, responsibility, restraint, and the difficulty of righteous leadership rather than consuming only content criticizing authority.

Switch the algorithm.

Listen to the other side, so that your understanding is not being formed entirely by content that continuously validates your own position.

Truth does not need an echo chamber and ultimately, whether we are standing behind the pulpit or sitting in the congregation, our hearts are answerable to the same Lord.

Authority should never be weaponized.

Neither should hurt, neither should Scripture

The question cannot simply be, “Which side am I on?”

The deeper question is:

What is the condition and intention of my heart – and am I willing to hear the whole counsel of God, even when it corrects me too?